Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Original Article

Occupational disease issues in high-tech industries of South Korea: analysis of governmental data on the semiconductor and display industries: Chungsik Yoon, Jinjoo Chung, Jongran Lee, Kwonchul Ha, Joseph DiGangi, Jeong-Ok Kong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine ;e6. Published online March 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e6 [Accepted]

Abstract Abstract in Korean PubReader ePub: Background
This study analyzed occupational diseases compensated through the government system in the Korean electronics industry and observed changes in the rationale for compensation.
Methods
Data from the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service (KWCWS) from 2012 to 2023 were analyzed to examine occupational disease issues in South Korea's semiconductor and display industries.
Results
KWCWS received 174 occupational disease claims between 2012 and 2023, with 88 (51%) approved. The case of a 22-year-old semiconductor worker who died from leukemia has raised awareness and appears to be leading to more claims and higher approval rates. Cancer-related claims, particularly for breast and blood cancers, were the most common. Since 2018, the approval rate for occupational diseases has increased to 60%, which may have been influenced by the Supreme Court's Principle of Presumption of Occupational Diseases and the government’s reduction of the burden of proof. However, approval rates remain lower in small- and medium-sized enterprises (38%) compared to large corporations (56%), likely because of better documentation and unionization in the latter. The semiconductor industry had more claims and approvals than the LCD industry, primarily due to its longer operational history and greater chemical exposure. Conclusions: In South Korea, the increasing approval rate of occupational diseases in the electronics industry from 2012 to 2023 appears to reflect changes in how causal relationships and occupational health policies have been implemented and this is likely due to stakeholder involvement and relevant legal decisions.; 반도체 및 디스플레이 산업의 정부자료 분석으로 본 한국 첨단 산업에서의 직업병 이슈
배경
본 연구는 한국 전자산업에서 산재보험 보상 승인된 직업병을 분석하고 보상 근거의 변화를 관찰하였다.
방법
2012년부터 2023년까지 근로복지공단의 데이터를 분석하여 한국의 반도체 및 디스플레이 산업에서 직업병의 신청과 승인을 연도별, 업종별, 규모별로 분석하였다.
결과
2012년부터 2023년까지 근로복지공단에 접수된 직업병 산재보상 신청은 174건이고 이 중 88건(51%)이 승인되었다. 2007년 한 반도체 노동자의 백혈병 사망을 계기로 직업병에 대한 인식이 높아져 산재보상 신청 건수가 증가하고 승인률도 높아진것처럼 추정된다. 신청 상병은 암, 특히 유방암과 혈액암이 가장 많았다. 대법원이 직업병 추정 원칙을 판시하고 정부가 입증 부담을 완화한 것이 2018년 이후 직업병 승인률은 60%까지 증가하는데 기여하였다. 그러나 중소기업(38%)의 승인률은 대기업(56%)에 비해 여전히 낮은데, 이는 대기업에서 기록을 더 잘 보관하고 노조 조직률도 더 높은 것이 영향을 주었을 것이다.. 반도체 산업은 LCD 산업보다 산재 신청 건수와 승인 건수가 더 많은데, 이는 반도체 산업의 역사가 더 길며 화학물질 노출이 더 크기 때문으로 추정된다.
결론
연구 기간동안 전자업체에서의 대부분 직업병은 혈액암과 유방암과 같은 암이었고 직업병 산재 승인의 증가는 이해관계자의 참여와 사회 이슈화, 유연해진 법원 판결, 산재보험제도 등이 큰 영향을 미쳤을 것이다.

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Case Report

Challenges in diagnosing occupational allergic contact dermatitis: a case report: Jun Fai Yap, Kim Sui Wan, Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff, Yin Cheng Lim, Rama Krishna Supramanian; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine ;e7. Published online March 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e7 [Accepted]

Abstract PubReader ePub: Background
In Malaysia, occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is often under-reported. This case report describes a chemical engineer who developed possible ACD, likely due to workplace allergen exposure.
Case presentation
He presented with a 4-month history of intensely itchy rashes on both hands, which improved during work breaks. A dermatological examination revealed lichenified, pruritic papules with well-defined borders on the dorsal surfaces of both hands. A skin patch test identified reactions to five allergens, including ‘fragrance mix,’ ‘methyldibromo glutaronitrile,’ ‘clioquinol,’ ‘epoxy resin,’ and ‘textile dye mix.’ However, among these, only ‘bisphenol A diglycidyl ether,’ a component of ‘epoxy resin,’ was listed in the safety data sheet as a confirmed occupational exposure. In accordance with local regulations, this case was reported as ‘occupational dermatitis’ to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. The patient was prescribed symptomatic topical treatments, including emollients and topical corticosteroids. Additionally, he was advised to switch to hypoallergenic products. On follow-up, his chronic inflammatory skin lesions showed improvement.
Conclusions
Thorough occupational history-taking and patch testing are essential for diagnosing ACD. Personalized health education and regular follow-ups, is crucial in monitoring lesion resolution and evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures in workplace settings.

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